The Norwegian Ministry of the Environment and the Ministry of Fisheries have jointly submitted a proposal for consultation that is revolutionary for Norwegian fisheries policy to date. They argue that the most important measure to save the Oslo Fjord, which is seriously threatened by fishing and chemical pollution, is to establish large no-fishing zones in its outer areas. Such zones are to be established primarily in the two national parks, Færder and Ytyre Hvaler, in the outer Oslo Fjord.
The consultation period for this proposal ended on 22 April and, as expected, led to highly polarised discussions. However, it is to be hoped that this technically well-founded proposal will actually be implemented. The government did not only cite its own Marine Research Institute as the main authority for the necessity of the proposed measures. The Directorate of Fisheries also considers the introduction of zones where all forms of fishing are prohibited to be the most promising measure for a positive ecosystem effect. As larger no-take zones have not yet been tried in Norway, the government proposal refers to the positive experiences of other countries. Positive effects such as increased stocks and biomass of species important for fisheries, older and larger fish, and greater species diversity are explicitly mentioned.
The government proposal was therefore welcomed by nature conservation organisations, who called for its full implementation. Birdlife Norway and Sabima submitted a detailed statement on behalf of other associations. VISION 52 produced also an English version of the NGO statement.
It remains exciting to see which marine national park will be the first in Norway to meet international standards. With the current government proposal, the two national parks Færder and Ytre Hvaler could win this competition ahead of Raet National Park.
